In the back alleys of Hong Kong the world's finest
fighters from a variety of fighting disciplines gather.
They meet to fight in the Kumite, where the best of the
best meet and where the best overall fighter in the world
will prevail. Frank W. Dux (Van Damme) is one such
fighter from America. No westerner has ever won the
Kumite, but Frank W Dux plans to be the first in 1983.

Frank travels to Hong Kong and meets Jackson another
American who is a contestant in the Kumite. Jackson is a
big guy of streetstyle fighting that looks more like a
biker than anything else. Frank competes with Jackson in
a video arcade Karate game which he wins with ease.

Frank also encounters a female reporter eager to find
out the location of the Kumite which is a closely guarded
secret. An arab Kumite contestant tries to assert control
over the reporter but Frank Dux steps in and challenges
the arab to a bet. The bet is to determine the fate of
the girl. If Frank can remove a coin from the arab's hand
before his hand closes then he gets the girl. As Frank
says go, the arab believes with a smile that he has won,
but as he looks again he finds not only has Frank gotten
the coin but he has replaced it with another.

Jackson and Frank arrive at the Kumite final tryouts
via their guide. A preliminary test has to be passed
before entrance into the Kumite is guaranteed. Frank has
to break a stack of bricks which he does with the
"death touch" which is a method of attack his
teacher's clan is famous for. He breaks the bricks and
pieces shoot into the air. The reining Kumite champ
taunts Frank with "bricks don't hit back."
Jackson, Frank's friend breaks a brick over his head and
offers it to the judges stating "this if for
you."

Frank rests in his hotel and awaits the beginning of
the Kumite. He goes to dinner with the curious female
reporter and runs and hides from US Goverment officials
that aim to bring Frank back as he is a treasured soldier
they don't want to see injured in the Kumite. In one
scene Frank is cornered by US goverment agents and stun
guns are aimed at him. Jackson rushes the agents and
Frank escapes for a run through the cities over floating
boats and through food markets before finally escaping.

As the Kumite begins Chun Li the reigning champion
whips the crowd into a frenzy just by standing. As he
walks he flexes his pecs for effect. In the kumite of
bloodsport all fight disciplines meet from the street
boxer, to the bear hug wrestler, and even the hopping
african warrior. The music guides the movie and really
draws you right on into the action.

In the Kumate of Bloodsport you really do "fight
to survive." Frank Dux finishes each of his
opponents off with artistic facial impressions and
grunts. His finishing moves are really quite
entertaining. Against one fighter that has him in a bear
hug he headbuts him away and then uses his characteristic
standing roundhouse kicks and jumping roundhouse kicks to
finish him.

Chun Li faces Frank's friend Jackson and puts him in
the hospital. Frank plans to honor his friend and his
trainer despire what the squeamish female reporter thinks
of the kumite. She thinks its a mindless macho display
where people get their heads beat in.

In the end Frank Dux( Van Damme) and Chun Li meet in
the arena. Chun Li fights to win, Frank Dux fights for
honor. The fight is one of the artistry of honor versus
the utility of function and action which Chun Li
embodies. But of course as always, truly no one can beat
"Wham bam Van Damme." This is one of Van
Damme's earlier works but without doubt his best.

This is most likely the best martial arts movie set in
tournment style ever achieved in the history of cinema.
From the musical score to the dramatic movements of the
characters this movie really does set itself in a realm
beyond all others. The only movie that even remotely
approaches the mark of excellence set by this movie for
its genre is the first Best
of the Best movie. The movie was followed by a few
straight to video sequel movies which did not star Van
Damme.